Dirt, dust and other grime wear down all kinds of flooring. Shoes worn outside pick up various elements that stick to the shoes themselves or in the crevices of the shoes and can wear down carpeting and mar other types of flooring. Sharp edges on heels or shoes can also catch, snag, scratch and pit flooring.

Most carpeting today is soft and susceptible to absorbing dirt and other grunge that is tracked onto it from the outside. If not removed it can be ground into the carpet and stain it as constant traffic presses it into the fibers.

Though tile and stone are usually resistant to grime and dirt, the grout between the tiles is like a magnet pulling it in. This same dust and grime can form an abrasive layer on hardwood, laminate and vinyl flooring that can scratch and dull these floors. Winter weather, snow, rain, mud and water are another major enemy to almost every flooring surface.

Though it may not be typical to remove your shoes when entering your own home, or as a guest in another's home, by removing your shoes you can make the flooring last longer.